Ryan McMahon’s Clutch 9th-Inning Blast Lifts Rockies to Shocking Win—Watch the Game-Changing Moment

The New York Yankees have struck first blood ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, reaching an agreement with the Colorado Rockies to acquire veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon in exchange for two prospects, per multiple reports. McMahon, 30, gives the Bronx Bombers an everyday fixture at the hot corner after months of uncertainty in their infield alignment. Entering Friday, the left-handed hitter was slashing .217/.314/.403 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI over 100 games in Denver. While those numbers look modest on the surface, Statcast still grades McMahon as a plus defender and a top-20% barrel-rate producer, attributes that should translate even better away from Coors Field’s unpredictable outfield angles. He is under contract through 2027 on the six-year, $70 million extension he signed in 2022, giving New York cost-certainty at a position that’s been patched together since DJ LeMahieu’s release and Oswald Peraza’s demotion. Why the deal matters for New York • Right-side balance: McMahon’s lefty pop lengthens a right-heavy lineup anchored by Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton. • Defensive upgrade: The former Gold Glove finalist posted 8 defensive runs saved at third this year, well above the league average. • Flexibility: Gleyber Torres can remain at second while Jazz Chisholm Jr. continues to settle in as a utility weapon. What the Rockies receive Colorado lands two Yankees prospects—reportedly No. 8 system arm Roderick Arias and power-hitting corner infielder Jared Serna—adding much-needed depth to a farm that has graduated few impact bats in recent seasons. Shedding McMahon’s $12 million AAV also frees payroll space as GM Bill Schmidt signals a full rebuild around outfielder Zac Veen and rookie shortstop Adael Amador. Projected Yankees lineup after the trade 1. Juan Soto RF 2. Aaron Judge CF 3. Giancarlo Stanton DH 4. Anthony Rizzo 1B 5. Ryan McMahon 3B 6. Gleyber Torres 2B 7. Alex Verdugo LF 8. Austin Wells C 9. Anthony Volpe SS Fantasy and betting impact McMahon’s park-adjusted power plays up in Yankee Stadium, which features the league’s friendliest right-field porch for left-handed hitters; projection systems bump his rest-of-season homer forecast to 12-14, making him a viable mixed-league add. Futures markets also nudged New York’s American League pennant odds from +260 to +240 this afternoon as sportsbooks priced in the infield upgrade. What’s next at the deadline? With McMahon off the board, rival contenders eyeing hot-corner help may pivot to Seattle’s Eugenio Suárez or Kansas City’s Maikel Garcia. For the Yankees, attention now shifts to bullpen depth, with lefties Tanner Scott and Garrett Cleavinger rumored targets. Bottom line New York adds both glove and thump without sacrificing core prospects, while Colorado accelerates a reset that was overdue. For Ryan McMahon, the opportunity to chase a World Series ring in pinstripes marks the biggest stage of his career—and positions the Yankees as even stronger favorites in a crowded AL East race.